Call for applications: IMEXSA funding for SXSW 2023

Export-ready music companies are encouraged to apply to showcase their products at SXSW. The open call is not meant for individuals but for companies that have been in operation for at least 12 months. Companies who apply and are successful will get to form part of a delegate group attending SXSW 2023. 

Representatives of the successful companies need to be in possession of a US visa valid beyond the end of March 2023. Those whose visas expired in the past 12 months are welcome to apply, provided they also give proof of an application to renew their visa. Applicants should also be willing to comply with various travel regulations pertaining to COVID-19.

To apply, companies can complete an online form on the IMEXSA website, also attaching all required documents that are listed on the form. They will need to register on the website first, before being able to access and complete the online form. The form can only be submitted in one session and thus an applicant will need to have all the required documents available at the time of completing the form.

Those unable to complete the form online should download the Emerging Exporters Application PDF and Sworn Affidavit forms on the IMEXSA website, complete and sign both these documents and compile them as part of their application pack. The sworn affidavit can be replaced by a BEE certificate where one is available.

Applicants should also add the following documents as part of their application pack:

• Proof of registration of the entity if it is a CC or (Pty) Ltd or a copy of an ID in case of a sole proprietor.
• A full visible colour product brochure, EPK information, photographs or pictures of the products to be exhibited, latest audited or independently reviewed/compiled and signed financial statements.
• The financial statements of the previous year-end will only be accepted for a maximum period of six-months after the recent financial year-end of the entity, a copy of a valid passport of the proposed traveller, copy of a valid US visa or a proof of applying for one if current one expired in the last 12 months, original valid tax clearance certificate, confirmation that you will attend the event and comply to all COVID-19 regulations.
• Profile of the entity or the artist and a motivational letter indicating how you are planning to secure deals during the event.
• The company profile should include the following details: Name of the entity, contact details and physical address, background of the entity, ownership, vision, mission, products or services and conclusion.

Note: The application will not be reviewed without all the required documents.

All of the documents should be sent via email to submissions@imexsa.org.za on or before 22 November 2022 at midnight.

While companies that have applied before are welcome to apply again, new companies that have not done so before are especially encouraged to apply, to help ensure diversity in beneficiaries of this opportunity. Due to the large volume of applications expected, communications will only be limited to successful applicants. 

Only flights, airport transfers, accommodation including breakfast, exhibition costs and conference registrations will be paid for the successful applicants. They will need to pay for their own visa renewal application where applicable, travel insurance and any other expenses that they may incur.

Applicants will also be expected to attend a mandatory workshop prior to undertaking the trip to SXSW. All inquiries or clarities should be sent via email to submissions@imexsa.org.za. Due to the potentially large volume of inquiries that could come through, applicants should allow a period of 24 hours for responses.

IMEXSA’s focus is to develop and increase the number of music exporters in South Africa by identifying trade opportunities and assisting companies to take advantage of those opportunities. Supported and funded by the Department of Trade and Industry, IMEXSA has been operating over the past 11 years. During this time, it has participated in and presented South African unsigned and independent music professionals at Popkomm (Germany), WOMEX (UK), Primavera Pro (Spain), Canada Music Week in Toronto, MIDEM (France), CMJ in New York and SXSW in Texas.